Baptism service on January 19. Events of the Epiphany. Where to swim for baptism - northwestern district of the North-Western District

Epiphany is one of the largest Orthodox holidays. This day in our country is celebrated annually on January 19th.

In Russia it is an important event It is celebrated quite widely, services are held in all churches, and people, believers and non-believers, visit churches to pray and draw blessed water.

From the history of the event

According to the Gospel, when Jesus Christ turned 30 years old, he found John the Baptist, who was in those days in the city of Bethabara near the Jordan River. Then many people were baptized by John in the Jordan River, because they believed in his prophecies, including the imminent appearance of the Messiah.

The rite of baptism in the Jordan River for John and his followers symbolized renewal, the replacement of the old law with the new one that the Messiah would bring with him.

On the day when Christ himself appeared to the prophet to undergo the rite of Baptism, John the Baptist did not believe that the Messiah himself had visited him. And Jesus humbly replied that he must fulfill the truth and received Baptism from the prophet.

They say that on the Day of the Baptism of the Lord, unprecedented events took place, or rather, the sky opened and a voice was heard from heaven.

It was after this event that Christ was followed by his first disciples Andrew, Simon, Philip, Nathanael, who later became apostles. And the baptized Jesus went into the desert for 40 days, where he fervently prayed and fasted, tempted by the Devil. After that, he returned to the world to fulfill his destiny.

It is not known for certain when Jesus lived, was born and was baptized. Theological scholars believe that he lived in the 1st century BC, was born from 12 to 4 BC, and was baptized 30 years after birth. At age 33, Jesus was crucified on the cross.

Christ was baptized in the Yardenit backwater, where the sacred Jordan River merges with Lake Tiberias. Many true believers now want to be baptized there.

The first mentions of Epiphany as a holiday

But at first, the two holidays, Christmas and Epiphany, were not separated; they were celebrated on the same day, January 6, and the event was called Epiphany.

Only at the end of the 4th century AD did the Baptism of the Lord become an independent date. But there is still some unity between these two events; the day before Christmas and Epiphany it is necessary to fast, and the evening before both church holidays is called Christmas Eve.

Good to know: Christmas and Epiphany are connected by the period from January 7 to 17, which is called Christmastide.

Traditions and customs of Baptism

On the eve of Epiphany, you must fast all day, and in the evening, with the appearance of the first star, you can eat only lean dishes. You should sit down to eat only after prayer.

On the eve of Christmas Eve, Christians carefully cleaned the house. They washed all the corners, and where, according to legend, there could be evil spirits, crosses were painted in the windows and corners. It is believed that on the evening before Epiphany, evil spirits are especially dangerous.

One of the main traditions on Epiphany evening is washing in an ice hole. It is believed that in this way a person washes away all his sins with holy water and recharges himself with health and strength for the coming year. On this holy day, girls and women dipped viburnum or coral into the blessed water and washed themselves with that water so that their faces looked healthy and their cheeks were rosy.

It is believed that from 00.00 o'clock at night until 24.00 o'clock on January 19, holy water flows from all sources, which has powerful healing properties.

According to beliefs, holy water can cure many diseases, fight damage, the evil eye, etc. Services are held in churches on the morning of January 19, and the water is additionally blessed. Holy water retains its healing properties for exactly a year.

Believers traditionally go to church on this day, and not only in the morning for the water blessing service, but throughout the day. On this day you need to pray and devote yourself to spiritual enlightenment. In the temple, people wash themselves and drink holy water.

According to custom, a dozen dishes must be placed on the table on this great holiday. It can be porridge, jellied meat, meat, pancakes, etc. After eating, all family members, young and old, thank the Lord for the bread and go to release the pigeons.

There are also some prohibitions on this great divine holiday. So, on January 19, you cannot do physical labor; you should clean up in advance; in extreme cases, this can be done before lunch. But washing is strictly prohibited not only on January 19, but also for 2 days after.

On the day of Epiphany you cannot drink alcohol; it is permissible to drink only a glass of Cahors. You should absolutely not guess at Epiphany, be rude, be greedy and be rude on this day.

Sermon at baptism

Traditionally, on January 19 in Russia, His Holiness the Patriarch performs a solemn long liturgy in the church and addresses the believers with words of prayer and sermon. The service is broadcast on television. The Baptism of the Lord is one of the most revered among Russians. Visiting churches, temples, jumping into an ice hole, and collecting holy water became folk traditions on this day.

On January 18 and 19, Orthodox Christians traditionally celebrate Epiphany. This day has its own history, dating back to ancient times, and church canons for a long time closely intertwined with popular beliefs.

The holiday of the Baptism of Rus' is usually celebrated on July 28. This event, according to historical research, dates back to 988. However, the adoption of the Christian faith in Rus' was not a short-term action, but a long process that required the residents of the pagan state to rethink new forms of life and interaction.

History of the holiday. Baptism

Translated from Greek, the word “baptism” means immersion. This is exactly how a cleansing bath is carried out for a person who has decided to accept the Christian faith. The true meaning of the water ritual is spiritual cleansing. According to Christian tradition, on January 19, Jesus Christ was baptized, and on this day the Epiphany is celebrated, when the Almighty appeared to the world in three forms.

On the Epiphany of the Lord (the history of the holiday goes like this), God the Son underwent the Sacrament in the Jordan River at the age of 30, where the Holy Spirit appeared to him in the form of a dove, and God the Father made it known from heaven that Jesus Christ was his son . Hence the second name of the holiday - Epiphany.

On January 18, according to Orthodox tradition, it is customary to fast until the removal of the candle, which follows the Liturgy, accompanied by communion with water. The holiday of Epiphany, or rather its eve, is also called Christmas Eve, which is associated with the custom of boiling wheat juice with the addition of raisins and honey.

Celebration traditions

Epiphany is a holiday whose traditions are associated with the extraordinary ability of water to heal, and it can be taken from the most ordinary body of water. Even the one that is supplied to the apartments of our houses is endowed with this property. For healing, it is necessary to take consecrated Epiphany water on an empty stomach in a very small volume (a teaspoon is enough). After taking it, you need to wait a while before eating.

The healing properties of Epiphany water

Epiphany is an Orthodox holiday and, according to Christian faith, holy water is the most effective cure for all diseases. To get rid of physical and spiritual ailments, you need to drink it hourly, deeply believing in its healing power. Women in critical days You cannot touch holy water, only in exceptional cases, for example, in case of a serious illness.

In Orthodox traditions, the history of the holiday is well known. The Baptism of the Lord gives water miraculous powers. A drop of it can sanctify a huge source, and it does not deteriorate under any storage conditions. Modern research has confirmed that Epiphany water does not change its structure without a refrigerator.

Where to store Epiphany water

Water collected on the day of Epiphany should be stored in the Red Corner near the icons; this is the best place for it in the house. You must take it from the Red Corner without swearing; at this moment you cannot quarrel and allow yourself ungodly thoughts, as this will lose the holiness of the magic drink. Sprinkling a house with water cleanses not only the home, but also family members, making them healthier, more moral and happier.

Epiphany bathing

Traditionally, on January 19, on the feast of the Epiphany, water from any source has miraculous properties and the ability to heal, so on this day all Orthodox Christians collect it in various containers and carefully store it, adding small drops as necessary, for example, to a glass of water. As you remember, even a small portion can consecrate huge volumes. However, the Epiphany holiday is most widely known for its mass bathing. Of course, not everyone can decide to do this. However, recently, Epiphany bathing has become increasingly popular.

Dives are held in an ice-hole cut out in the shape of a cross, which is called Jordan. By plunging into cold water on January 19, Epiphany, an Orthodox holiday, a believer, as the belief goes, gets rid of sins and all ailments for a whole year.

When is it customary to collect water?

People go to church for holy water on the morning of January 19th. There is a sign that you need to take it first. This makes the behavior of some parishioners unacceptable for the temple, because in a sacred place one cannot push, swear or fuss.

Blessed water can also be collected the day before, January 18, Epiphany Eve. Church services continue on this day. As the priests say, water is blessed the same way on both January 18 and 19, so its healing properties are not affected by the time of collection. If it is impossible to go to church, you can use ordinary apartment water supply. It is better to collect water from the tap on the night of January 18-19 between 00.10 and 01.30. This time is considered the most favorable. When and where to swim on Epiphany? Regarding bathing, the church notes that it is not a canon of Christianity, but has simply become a tradition. You can take a dip at Epiphany both on the night of January 18-19 and in the morning of the 19th. In every city special places are organized for this holiday; you can find out about them in any church.

On accepting baptism in the Orthodox tradition

On the Epiphany of the Lord (the history of the holiday tells about this), God appeared to the world for the first time in three forms (Epiphany). Few people think that communion with the Lord is an important event in the life of every Orthodox Christian. On the day of baptism, a person is adopted by God and becomes part of Christ.

After undergoing the rite of baptism, a person is accepted by the Orthodox Church and ceases to be a slave of Satan, who can now tempt him only by cunning. After gaining faith, you can visit the temple and pray, as well as use other Sacraments Orthodox faith.

Reception of Baptism by an adult is carried out consciously, so the presence of godparents is not necessary. A future Christian must become familiar with the basics of the Orthodox faith and, if desired, learn prayers.

When we're talking about about babies, then they need godparents, who must subsequently take care of the child’s religious development and, of course, pray for him. They should be an example of morality for their godchildren.

Before the Sacrament is performed, everyone who will be present in the church is recommended to fast and abstain from worldly entertainment. Babies themselves do not need preparation.

Now every church has a registration for baptism, where you can also find out what you need to take with you. It is imperative to prepare a blessed cross and, if desired, a baptismal set, which includes a shirt, cap, and diaper. For boys, a cap is not required.

After the ceremony you will receive a “Baptismal Certificate”. Keep it, if your child decides to enter a religious school, it will definitely be needed.

It must be said that the baptism of a child is a holiday that is given more and more importance in Russia every year.

Folk customs and traditions associated with Epiphany

The holiday of Epiphany, of course, is less popular than Christmas, but it is very rich in various rituals. Here are some of them.

On this day, it is customary to release doves into the sky during worship, which is a symbol of the Spirit of God appearing on earth in the guise of this bird. This ritual also “releases” the Christmas holidays.

Water is always blessed in churches. On the eve of Epiphany, a cross-shaped hole is cut out in reservoirs, and the cross is placed close to it and sometimes decorated. Water is baptized with fire, for which the priest lowers a burning three-branched candlestick into it.

To wash away your sins during Epiphany bathing, you need to plunge your head three times.

IN old times On this day, young people had fun riding carousels and ice skating. Also, boys and girls caroled - they went around houses with songs and congratulations, and the owners gave them treats.

After this holiday, fasting ended. Young people again began to get together for festivities, where they could choose their soulmate. The period from the end of Epiphany to Lent is the time when one could have a wedding.

It is not customary to work and eat a lot on Epiphany.

Signs and beliefs

Agree on a wedding on this day - to happy life For future family. In general, any good deed started on this day is blessed.

Snow on Epiphany means a rich harvest.

The sun on this day means a bad harvest.

Wash your face with ice and snow on this day - to be beautiful, sweet and pretty all year round.

On Epiphany night, dreams are prophetic.

That evening the girls got together and told fortunes.

Epiphany fortune telling

The most popular, of course, is fortune telling for the betrothed. There are a great many ways to find out the name and see your future husband, some of them are quite creepy: with mirrors, candles, “spirit circles” and the alphabet.

Almost every modern girl knows about fortune telling for the groom using Tatyana Larina’s method: to find out the name of the betrothed, you need to go out into the street at midnight and ask the first man you come across what his name is.

Here's a very funny fortune telling for wish fulfillment. You ask a question, having a good idea of ​​what you are asking about (the question should really be important to you, but if you are doing it for fun, then the answer will not be true), and then you scoop up grains (cereals) from the bag. Next, pour everything onto a plate and count it. If the number of grains is even, it will come true, if the number is odd, it will not come true.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany, or Epiphany, on January 19. On this day, the Church remembers the gospel event - how the prophet John the Baptist baptized the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. We will talk about the history, traditions and meaning of the holiday.

What is the Baptism of the Lord

When is the Epiphany celebrated?

Events of the Epiphany

What can you eat on Epiphany?

Epiphany of the Lord - the history of the holiday

Iconography of the Baptism of the Lord

Features of the Epiphany service

Epiphany Prayers

Epiphany Cathedral in Elohovo

Folk traditions of Epiphany

Gospel of the Baptism of the Lord

Holy Epiphany water

When to collect Epiphany water?

Is all the water for Epiphany holy?

Epiphany frosts

Swimming in an ice hole (Jordan) for Epiphany

Epiphany Christmas Eve

Poems about the Baptism of the Lord

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh: sermon on the Epiphany of the Lord

Saint Theophan the Recluse, thoughts for every day of the year - Epiphany

What is the Baptism of the Lord

The Baptism of the Lord God and our Savior Jesus Christ is one of the most important Christian holidays. On this day, Christians around the world remember the gospel event - the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. The Savior was baptized by the prophet John the Baptist, who is also called the Baptist.

The second name, Epiphany, was given to the holiday in memory of the miracle that occurred during baptism. The Holy Spirit descended from heaven on Christ in the form of a dove and a voice from heaven called him Son. Evangelist Luke writes about this: The heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove, and there was a voice from heaven, saying: You are My Beloved Son; My favor is in You! (Matt. 3:14-17). That's how it was revealed in visible and accessible to human images, the Holy Trinity: the voice is God the Father, the dove is God the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is God the Son. And it was testified that Jesus is not only the Son of Man, but also the Son of God. God appeared to people.

The Epiphany of the Lord is the twelfth holiday. The twelfths are holidays that are dogmatically closely connected with the events of the earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Mother of God and are divided into the Lord's (dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Theotokos (dedicated to the Mother of God). Epiphany is the Lord's holiday.

When is the Epiphany celebrated?

Epiphany Russian Orthodox Church celebrates January 19 according to the new style (January 6 according to the old style).
The Feast of the Epiphany has 4 days of pre-celebration and 8 days of post-celebration. Forefeast - one or several days before a major holiday, the services of which already include prayers dedicated to the upcoming celebrated event. Accordingly, after-feasts are the same days after the holiday.

The celebration of the holiday takes place on January 27 according to the new style. The celebration of the holiday is the last day of some important Orthodox holidays, celebrated with a special service, more solemn than on ordinary post-feast days.

Events of the Epiphany

After fasting and wanderings in the desert, the prophet John the Baptist came to the Jordan River, in which the Jews traditionally performed religious ablutions. Here he began to talk to the people about repentance and baptism for the remission of sins and baptize people in the waters. This was not the Sacrament of Baptism as we know it now, but it was its prototype.

The people believed the prophecies of John the Baptist, many were baptized in the Jordan. And then, one day, Jesus Christ himself came to the banks of the river. At that time He was thirty years old. The Savior asked John to baptize Him. The Prophet was surprised to the depths of his soul and said: “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” But Christ assured him that “we must fulfill all righteousness.” During baptism, the sky opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form, like a dove, and there was a voice from heaven, saying: You are My Beloved Son; My favor is in You! (Luke 3:21-22).

The Baptism of the Lord was the first appearance of Christ to the people of Israel. It was after the Epiphany that the first disciples followed the Teacher - the apostles Andrew, Simon (Peter), Philip, Nathanael.

In the two Gospels - Matthew and Luke - we read that after Baptism the Savior withdrew into the desert, where he fasted for forty days in order to prepare for his mission among people. He was tempted by the devil and did not eat anything during these days, and after they were over, he finally became hungry (Luke 4:2). The devil approached Christ three times and tempted Him, but the Savior remained strong and rejected the evil one (as the devil is called).

What can you eat on Epiphany?

There is no fasting on the feast of Epiphany. But on Epiphany Eve, that is, on the eve of the holiday, Orthodox Christians observe strict fasting. The traditional dish of this day is sochivo, which is prepared from cereals (for example, wheat or rice), honey and raisins.

Epiphany of the Lord - the history of the holiday

The Epiphany of the Lord began to be celebrated even when the apostles were alive - we find mention of this day in the Apostolic Decrees and Rules. But at first, Epiphany and Christmas were a single holiday, and it was called Epiphany.

Starting from the end of the 4th century (in different places in different ways), the Epiphany of the Lord became a separate holiday. But even now we can observe echoes of the unity of Christmas and Epiphany - in worship. For example, both holidays have a Eve - Christmas Eve, with strict fasting and special traditions.

In the first centuries of Christianity, converts were baptized on Epiphany (they were called catechumens), so this day was often called the “day of Enlightenment”, “feast of Lights”, or “holy Lights” - as a sign that the Sacrament of Baptism cleanses a person from sin and enlightens with the Light of Christ . Even then there was a tradition to bless water in reservoirs on this day.

More details Here

Iconography of the Baptism of the Lord

In early Christian images of the events of the Baptism of the Lord, the Savior appears before us young and without a beard; later He began to be portrayed as an adult man.

Since the 6th-7th centuries, images of angels have appeared on icons of Baptism - most often there are three of them and they stand on the opposite bank of the Jordan from the prophet John the Baptist. In memory of the miracle of Epiphany, an island of sky is depicted above Christ standing in the water, from which a dove in rays of light descends to the Baptized One - a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

The central figures on all icons of the holiday are Christ and John the Baptist, who lays on his right hand ( right hand) on the head of the Savior. The right hand of Christ is raised in a blessing gesture.

Features of the Epiphany service

Clergy on holiday Epiphany dressed in white robes. The main feature of the Epiphany service is the blessing of water. The water is blessed twice. The day before, January 18, Epiphany Eve - the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, which is also called the Great Hagiasma. And the second time - on the day of Epiphany, January 19, at the Divine Liturgy.

The first tradition most likely dates back to the ancient Christian practice of baptizing catechumens after the morning service of Epiphany. And the second is connected with the custom of Palestinian Christians to march on the day of Epiphany to the Jordan to the traditional place of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

More details Here

Epiphany Prayers

Troparion of the Baptism of the Lord

voice 1st

In the Jordan I am baptized to You, O Lord, Trinitarian adoration appeared: for the voice of the Parents testified to You, naming Your beloved Son, and the Spirit in the form of a dove, the affirmation known to Your words. Appear, O Christ God, and enlighten the world, glory to Thee.

When You, Lord, were baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Most Holy Trinity appeared, for the voice of the Father testified of You, calling You the beloved Son, and the Spirit, appearing in the form of a dove, confirmed the truth of this word. Christ God, who appeared and enlightened the world, glory to You!

Kontakion of the Baptism of the Lord

voice 4th

Thou hast appeared this day to the universe, and Thy light, O Lord, has appeared upon us, in the minds of those who sing Thee: thou hast come and appeared, the unapproachable Light.

You have now appeared to the whole world; and Your light, Lord, is imprinted on us, consciously chanting You: “You have come and appeared, Unapproachable Light!”

The Greatness of the Baptism of the Lord

We magnify You, Life-Giving Christ, for our sake now baptized in the flesh by John in the waters of the Jordan.

We glorify You, Christ, Giver of life, because You have now been baptized in the flesh by John in the waters of the Jordan for us.

Epiphany Cathedral in Elohovo

Epiphany Cathedral is located in Moscow, on Spartakovskaya street, 15, near the Baumanskaya metro station. In the XIV-XVII centuries the village of Eloh was located here.

In the second half of the 15th century, the famous Moscow saint, St. Basil the Blessed, was born in the parish of the local Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God.

While Epiphany Cathedral was an ordinary rural church. In 1712-1731 it was rebuilt in stone, bricks were donated personally by Emperor Peter I. The new building was consecrated in 1731.

At the end of the 18th century, the Pushkin family became parishioners of the Epiphany Church. It is known that great poet born in the German settlement and was baptized in the old Epiphany Cathedral in 1799. The successors were the grandmother, Olga Sergeevna, nee Chicherina, and Count Vorontsov, the grandson of the minister Artemy Volynsky, who was martyred under Biron.

The old Peter's Cathedral stood until the middle of the 19th century. In the 1830s, the famous Moscow architect Evgraf Tyurin received an order for its reconstruction. The renovated cathedral was consecrated in 1853.

In the years Soviet power the temple did not close. On the feast of the Presentation in 1925, the solemn Liturgy was served there His Holiness Patriarch Tikhon. In 1935, the Baumansky district council decided to open a large cinema in the Epiphany Cathedral, but the decision was soon reversed.

And a few more facts from the history of the temple. In the Epiphany Cathedral rest the relics of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, and are buried His Holiness Patriarch Sergius of Moscow and All Rus' and His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Rus'. In 1992, the Epiphany Cathedral became a cathedral.

Shrines of the cathedral: the miraculous Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the relics of St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, the icon of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow,” particles of the relics of St. John Chrysostom, Apostle Andrew the First-Called and St. Peter of Moscow.

Folk traditions of Epiphany

Every church holiday is reflected in folk traditions. And the richer and ancient history people, the more complex and interesting interweavings of folk and church are obtained. Many customs are far from true Christianity and close to paganism, but they are nevertheless interesting from a historical point of view - in order to get to know the people better, in order to be able to separate the essence of this or that holiday of Christ from the colorful flow of folk imagination.

In Rus', Epiphany was the end of Christmastide, girls stopped fortune telling - a purely pagan activity. Ordinary people were preparing for the holiday, which, it was believed, would cleanse them of sins, including the sins of Christmas fortune-telling.

At Epiphany, a great blessing of water was performed. And twice. The first one is on Epiphany Christmas Eve. The water was blessed in the font, which stood in the center of the temple. The second time the water was blessed on the feast of Epiphany itself - in any local body of water: river, lake, well. A “Jordan” was cut into the ice - an ice hole in the form of a cross or a circle. Nearby they placed a lectern and a wooden cross with an ice dove - a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

On the day of Epiphany, after the liturgy, people walked to the ice hole in a procession of the cross. The priest served a prayer service and lowered the cross into the hole three times, asking for God’s blessing on the water. After this, all the villagers collected holy water from the ice hole and cheerfully poured it over each other. Some daredevils even bathed in ice water in order, according to popular belief, to cleanse themselves of sins. It should be noted that this belief has nothing to do with the teachings of the Church. Swimming in an ice hole (Jordan) is not a church sacrament or ritual, it is folk tradition celebration of Epiphany

Not only rural reservoirs were blessed, but also rivers in big cities. For example, here is a story about how water was blessed in Moscow on the Neglinnaya River on January 6, 1699. Emperor Peter I himself took part in the ceremony. And the Swedish envoy to Moscow, Gustav Korb, described the event:

“The Feast of the Three Kings (Magi), or rather, the Epiphany of the Lord, was marked by the blessing of the Neglinnaya River. The procession moved to the river in the following order. The procession was opened by the regiment of General de Gordon... Gordon's regiment was replaced by another, called Preobrazhensky, which attracted attention with new green clothes. The captain's place was occupied by the king, whose tall stature inspired respect for his Majesty. ...A fence (theatrum, Jordan) was built on the solid ice of the river. Five hundred clergy, subdeacons, deacons, priests, archimandrites (abbates), bishops and archbishops, dressed in vestments befitting their rank and office and richly decorated with gold, silver, pearls and precious stones, gave the religious ceremony a more majestic appearance. In front of the wonderful golden cross, twelve clerics carried a lantern in which three candles burned. An incredible number of people crowded from all sides, the streets were full, the rooftops were occupied by people; spectators also stood on the city walls, huddled closely together. As soon as the clergy filled the vast space of the fence, the sacred ceremony began, many candles were lit, and first of all the invocation of the grace of God followed. After duly calling on God’s mercy, the Metropolitan began to walk around the entire fence with censing, in the middle of which the ice was broken with an ice pick in the form of a well, so that water was discovered. After censing her three times, the Metropolitan consecrated her by immersing a burning candle three times and the usual blessing. ...Then the patriarch, or in his absence the metropolitan, leaving the fence, usually sprinkles on His Royal Majesty and all the soldiers. To finally complete the festive celebration, a salvo was fired from the guns of all regiments. ...Before the start of this ceremony, a vessel covered with red cloth was brought on six white royal horses. In this vessel the blessed water was then to be taken to the palace of His Royal Majesty. In the same way, the clergy carried a certain vessel for the patriarch and many others for the boyars and Moscow nobles.”

Holy Epiphany water

Water is blessed twice on Epiphany. The day before, January 18, on Epiphany Eve, there was the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, which is also called the “Great Hagiasma.” And the second time - on the day of Epiphany, January 19, at the Divine Liturgy. The first tradition most likely dates back to the ancient Christian practice of baptizing catechumens after the morning service of Epiphany. And the second is connected with the custom of Christians of the Jerusalem Church to march on the day of Epiphany to the Jordan to the traditional place of the baptism of Jesus Christ.

According to tradition, Epiphany water is stored for a year - until the next Epiphany holiday. They drink it on an empty stomach, reverently and prayerfully.

When to collect Epiphany water?

Water is blessed twice on Epiphany. The day before, January 18, on Epiphany Eve, there was the Rite of the Great Blessing of Water, which is also called the “Great Hagiasma.” And the second time - on the day of Epiphany, January 19, at the Divine Liturgy. When to bless the water is completely unimportant.

Is all the water for Epiphany holy?

Archpriest Igor Fomin, rector of the Alexander Nevsky Church at MGIMO, answers:

I remember when I was a child, we left the church for Epiphany and took with us a three-liter can Epiphany water, and then, already at home, they diluted it with tap water. And all year they accepted the water as a great shrine - with reverence.

On the night of the Epiphany of the Lord, indeed, as Tradition says, all aquatic nature is sanctified. And it becomes like the waters of the Jordan, in which the Lord was baptized. There would be magic if the water became holy only where the priest consecrated it. The Holy Spirit breathes wherever it wants. And there is an opinion that at any moment of Epiphany, holy water is everywhere. And the blessing of water is a visible, solemn church rite that tells us about the presence of God here on earth.

Epiphany frosts

The time of the Epiphany holiday in Rus' usually coincided with severe frosts, so they began to be called “Epiphany”. People said: “The frost is crackling, not crackling, but Vodokreshchi has passed.”

Swimming in an ice hole (Jordan) for Epiphany

In Rus', ordinary people called Epiphany “Vodokreshchi” or “Jordan”. Jordan is an ice hole in the shape of a cross or a circle, cut in any body of water and consecrated on the day of the Epiphany. After the consecration, the brave boys and men plunged and even swam in the icy water; It was believed that this way one could wash away one’s sins. But that's just folk superstition. The Church teaches us that sins are washed away only by repentance through the sacrament of Confession. And swimming is just a tradition. And here, firstly, it is important to understand that this tradition is completely optional. Secondly, one should remember the reverent attitude towards the shrine - Epiphany water. That is, if we nevertheless decide to swim, we must do it wisely (taking into account our state of health) and reverently - with prayer. And, of course, not replacing swimming as a substitute for attending a festive service in church.

Epiphany Christmas Eve

The Feast of Epiphany is preceded by Epiphany Eve, or the Everlasting Epiphany. On the eve of the holiday, Orthodox Christians observe strict fasting. The traditional dish of this day is sochivo, which is prepared from cereals (for example, wheat or rice), honey and raisins.

Sochivo

To prepare sochiva you will need:

Wheat (grain) – 200 g
- peeled nuts – 30 g
- poppy seed – 150 g
- raisins – 50 g
- fruits or berries (apple, blackberry, raspberry, etc.) or jam - to taste
- vanilla sugar - to taste
- honey and sugar - to taste
- cream – 1/2 cup.

Wash the wheat well and pour hot water, covering the grain, and cook in a saucepan over low heat until soft (or in a clay pot, in the oven), adding periodically hot water. Rinse the poppy seeds, steam with hot water for 2-3 hours, drain the water, grind the poppy seeds, add sugar, honey, vanilla sugar or any jam, chopped nuts, raisins, fruits or berries to taste, add 1/2 cup of cream or milk or boiled water, and combine all this with boiled wheat, place in a ceramic bowl and serve chilled.

Poem about Baptism

Ivan Bunin

Epiphany night
Dark spruce forest with snow like fur,
Gray frosts have descended,
In sparkles of frost, like in diamonds,
We dozed off, leaning over the birch trees.

Their branches froze motionless,
And between them on the snowy bosom,
As if through lace silver,
The full month looks down from the sky.

He rose high above the forest,
In its bright light, numb,
And the shadows creep strangely,
In the snow under the branches turning black.

The bowls of the forest were covered with a blizzard, -
Only traces and paths wind,
Running between the pines and fir trees,
Between the birches to the dilapidated gatehouse.

The gray blizzard lulled me to sleep
The forest is deserted by a wild song,
And he fell asleep, covered in a blizzard,
All through, motionless and white.

Mysteriously slender thickets sleep,
They sleep, dressed in deep snow,
And glades, and meadows, and ravines,
Where streams once roared.

Silence - not even a branch will crunch!
And maybe beyond this ravine
A wolf makes his way through the snowdrifts
With a cautious and insinuating step.

Silence - maybe he’s close...
And I stand, filled with anxiety,
And I look intensely at the thicket,
On tracks and bushes along the road.

In the distant thickets, where the branches are like shadows
In the moonlight patterns are woven,
Everything seems to me like something alive,
It's like animals are running by.

Light from the forest guardhouse
It flickers cautiously and timidly,
It's like he's lurking under the forest
And waits for something in the silence.

A diamond radiant and bright,
Playing green and blue,
In the east, at the throne of God,
The star shines quietly, as if alive.

And above the forest higher and higher
The month rises, and in wondrous peace
Frosty midnight freezes
And the crystal forest kingdom!

What kinds of life-giving and what kind of terrible waters there are... At the beginning of the Book of Genesis we read about how the breath of God hovered over the waters and how all living beings arose from these waters. Throughout the life of all mankind - but so clearly in the Old Testament - we see water as a way of life: they preserve the life of the thirsty in the desert, they revive the field and forest, they are a sign of the life and mercy of God, and in the sacred books of the Old and New Testaments of water represent an image of cleansing, washing, renewal.

But what terrible waters there are: the waters of the Flood, in which everyone who could no longer resist the judgment of God perished; and the waters that we see throughout our lives, terrible, destructive, dark flood waters...

And so Christ came to the Jordanian waters; into these waters no longer of a sinless land, but of our land, defiled to its very depths by human sin and betrayal. People who repented according to the preaching of John the Baptist came to these waters to wash themselves; how heavy these waters were with the sin of the people who washed themselves with them! If only we could see how the waters washing these gradually became heavier and became terrible with this sin! And Christ came to plunge into these waters at the beginning of His feat of preaching and gradual ascension to the Cross, to plunge into these waters, bearing all the burden human sin- He is sinless.

This moment of the Baptism of the Lord is one of the most terrible and tragic moments of His life. Christmas is the moment when God, out of His love for man, wants to save us from eternal destruction, puts on human flesh, when human flesh is permeated by the Divine, when it is renewed, becomes eternal, pure, radiant, that flesh which through the Cross, Resurrection , the Ascension will sit at the right hand of God and the Father. But on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, this preparatory path ends: now, the Lord, already matured in His humanity, having reached the full measure of His maturity, the Man Jesus Christ, united by perfect love and perfect obedience with the will of the Father, goes with his free will, freely to fulfill what the Eternal Council has ordained . Now the Man Jesus Christ brings this flesh as a sacrifice and as a gift not only to God, but to all humanity, takes on His shoulders all the horror of human sin, human fall, and plunges into these waters, which are now the waters of death, the image of destruction, they carry within themselves all evil, all poison and all sinful death.

The Baptism of the Lord, in the further development of events, most closely resembles the horror of the Garden of Gethsemane, the separation of death on the cross and the descent into hell. Here, too, Christ is so united with human fate that all its horror falls on Him, and the descent into hell is the final measure of His unity with us, the loss of everything - and victory over evil.

That is why this majestic holiday is so tragic, and that is why the waters of the Jordan, bearing all the heaviness and all the horror of sin, by touching the body of Christ, the sinless, all-pure, immortal body, permeated and shining by the Divine, the body of the God-man, are cleansed to the depths and again become primary, primeval waters of life, capable of cleansing and washing away sin, renewing a person, returning him to incorruption, introducing him to the Cross, making him a child no longer of the flesh, but eternal life, Kingdom of God.

How exciting this holiday is! That is why, when we consecrate the waters on this day, we look at them with such amazement and awe: these waters, by the descent of the Holy Spirit, become the waters of the Jordan, not only the primeval waters of life, but waters capable of giving life not only temporary, but also eternal; that is why we partake of these waters reverently, reverently; That’s why the Church calls them a great shrine and calls on us to have them in our homes in case of illness, in case of spiritual sorrow, in case of sin, for cleansing and renewal, for introduction to the newness of purified life. Let us taste these waters, let us touch them reverently. Through these waters, the renewal of nature, the sanctification of creation, and the transformation of the world began. Just as in the Holy Gifts, and here we see the beginning of the next century, the victory of God and the beginning of eternal life, eternal glory - not only of man, but of all nature, when God becomes all in all.

Glory to God for His infinite mercy, for His Divine condescension, for the feat of the Son of God, who became the Son of man! Glory to God that He renews both man and our destinies, and the world in which we live, and that we can still live with the hope of an already won victory and the rejoicing that we are waiting for the great, wondrous, terrible day of the Lord , when the whole world will shine with the grace of the received, and not just given, Holy Spirit! Amen.

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. Sermon on Epiphany

With what a feeling of reverence for Christ and gratitude to our relatives who lead us to faith, we remember our Baptism: how wonderful it is to think that since our parents or people close to us discovered faith in Christ, vouched for us before the Church and before God, we , By the Sacrament of Baptism, we became Christ’s, we are called by His name. We bear this name with the same reverence and amazement as a young bride bears the name of the man whom she loved for life and death and who gave her his name; How we cherish this human name! How dear it is to us, how sacred it is to us, how terrible it would be for us to act, to give it up for blasphemy to ill-wishers... And this is how we unite with Christ, Christ the Savior, our God, who became Man, gives us to bear His name. And just as on earth they judge the whole race that bears the same name by our actions, so here they judge Christ by our actions, by our lives.

What a responsibility this is! The Apostle Paul almost two thousand years ago warned the young Christian Church that for the sake of those who live unworthy of their calling, the name of Christ is blasphemed. Isn't that the case now? Aren’t there millions of people all over the world now who would like to find the meaning of life, joy, depth in God, moving away from Him, looking at us, seeing that we, alas, are not a living image of the gospel life - neither personally nor as a society? ?

And on the day of the Baptism of the Lord, I would like to say before God on my own behalf and call on everyone to say to those who were given the opportunity to be baptized in the name of Christ: remember that you have now become bearers of this holy and divine name, that God, your Savior, the Savior of all will be judged by you what if your life is my life! - will be worthy of this gift of God, then thousands around will be saved, but if she is unworthy, they will perish: without faith, without hope, without joy and without meaning. Christ came to the Jordan sinless, plunged into these terrible Jordanian waters, which seemed to become heavy, washing away human sin, figuratively becoming like dead waters - He plunged into them and became familiar with our mortality and all the consequences of human fall, sin, humiliation in order to to make us capable of living worthy of our human calling, worthy of God Himself, Who called us to be His relatives, children, to be His family and our own...

Let us respond to this work of God, to this call of God! Let us understand how high, how majestic our dignity is, how great our responsibility is, and let us enter the year that has now already begun in such a way as to be the glory of God and the salvation of every person who touches our lives! Amen.

Saint Theophan the Recluse. Thoughts for every day of the year - Epiphany

Epiphany (Tit. 11-14; Z. 4-7; Mt. 13-17). The Baptism of the Lord is called the Epiphany because in it the one true God, worshiped in the Trinity, revealed Himself so tangibly: God the Father - by a voice from heaven, God the Son - incarnate - by baptism. God the Holy Spirit - by descending on the Baptized One. Here the mystery of the relationship between the persons of the Holy Trinity is revealed. God the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and rests in the Son and does not proceed from Him. It is also revealed here that the incarnate economy of salvation was accomplished by God the Son incarnate, co-inherent with Him the Holy Spirit and God the Father. It has also been revealed that the salvation of everyone can be accomplished no other way than in the Lord Jesus Christ, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, according to the good will of the Father. All Christian sacraments shine here with their divine light and enlighten the minds and hearts of those who celebrate this great celebration with faith. Come, let us rise wisely to the mountain, and let us immerse ourselves in the contemplation of these mysteries of our salvation, singing: in the Jordan I am baptized to You, O Lord, Trinitarian adoration has appeared, - salvation arranging for us in a triple way and saving us in a triple way.

Holiday January 19 - Epiphany (Epiphany)

Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays. Feast of Epiphany The Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19, are ending. The holiday begins on the evening of January 18, when all Orthodox Christians celebrate Epiphany Eve.

The holiday of Epiphany is celebrated every year on January 6 for Catholics and January 19 for Orthodox believers., according to the official modern calendar. This holiday is associated with the baptism of Jesus Christ in the Jordan River. During his earthly life, only adults were baptized who fully felt faith in one God and realized in themselves this, at that time new, religion, because at that time Christians were persecuted and monotheism was rejected. Therefore, it is not surprising that Jesus Christ was baptized at the age of 30.

In churches, water is blessed on this day. Previously, it was taken from the nearest river or lake by drilling a hole in the ice in the shape of a large cross. The priest prayed over the water, lowered a church cross into the hole, and parishioners of the nearest church sang psalms. After all these actions, the water in the river was considered baptized. It was collected into various vessels and carried home. They believed that such water could cure various ailments, gives vigor and health, so the custom of plunging into an ice hole was widespread. Currently, water is practically not taken from rivers and lakes - the ecology is not the same. It is immediately poured after the service near the church. Agree - this is very practical. The custom of plunging into an ice hole has survived to this day. But more often, “walruses” show the audience miracles of endurance. The rest are stomping around on the shore, and, widening their eyes, look at the wonderful people in swimming trunks and in the snow.

In addition to cooling mortal bodies, water was also used in the active fight against various evil spirits, which “besieged” the houses of poor Belarusians with entire armies. In order to drive out this very household evil spirits from the corners, they sprinkled baptized water on all rooms, the courtyard and outbuildings. After such rituals, each person tried to drink plenty of holy water in order to be healthy, happy, and therefore carefree and cheerful all year. At least, drinking this water, many dreamed about it and hoped only for the best.

For Catholics Baptism coincides with the holiday of the Three Kings - the three wise men who were the first to convey the news of the birth of Christ to the whole world.

On this holiday, every Catholic brings chalk from the church to the “pasvenchans” and writes three letters on the doors of the house: “K, M and B”, according to the names of the Three Kings - Kaspel, Melchon and Baltosar, respectively. They believe that these letters drive away evil forces and evil thoughts from the house and from the well-being of the family living in it. Chalk is stored all year, like water for the Orthodox. Only in in this case chalk acts as a cure for stomach pain. Why is that? In fact, no one will really answer. Maybe faith plays the main role here?

Baptism was not celebrated with large festivities, except for the third kutya that fell on it. But it was also called Lenten.

There are no songs, fortune telling, round dances or special dances associated with this holiday. That's how it happened. In contrast to this, there are a lot of beliefs and signs associated with Baptism.

For example, the owners tried to come home first after the service. It was believed that they would be the first to reap the harvest. The hay on which kutya stood during Kolyad was gradually given to domestic animals as a remedy for illnesses and the not-so-good influence of witches.

In the courtyards of churches there are long lines for holy water. If for some serious reason a person cannot go to service or lives a thousand kilometers from the nearest church, he can resort to the healing power of simple water taken from an ordinary reservoir on Epiphany night, although such water cannot actually be considered holy. On Feast of the Epiphany water in churches is consecrated according to a special rite - the great Jordanian consecration and is called baptismal. There is a Greek word - “agiasma”, which is translated as shrine. And the attitude towards it, towards the great shrine, should be special.

Epiphany water. Properties of Epiphany water

She eats it on an empty stomach, a spoonful at a time, a little at a time. The man stood up, crossed himself, asked the Lord for a blessing for the day that had begun, washed, prayed and accepted the great agiasma. If the medicine is prescribed to be taken on an empty stomach, then first take holy water, followed by the medicine. And then breakfast and other things to do. Devotees of Christian piety call consecrated water the best cure for all spiritual and physical ailments. Often confessors “prescribe” Epiphany water to their sick children - a spoonful every hour, with faith, of course, but without faith, drink at least half a canister. You can wash the patient with it and sprinkle the bed with it. True, women are not blessed to take Epiphany water on critical days. But this is if the woman is otherwise healthy. And if she is sick, then even this circumstance does not matter. May Epiphany water help her!

There is a pious tradition of sprinkling your home with Epiphany water on this day while singing the troparion of Epiphany. Epiphany water is consumed on an empty stomach in small quantities all year round, usually together with a piece of prosphora “so that we can receive strength from God that supports health, heals illnesses, drives away demons and turns away all the slander of the enemy.”

Holy water. Prayer

At the same time, the prayer is read: “Lord my God, may Your holy gift and Your holy water be for the remission of my sins, for the enlightenment of my mind, for the strengthening of my mental and physical strength, for the health of my soul and body, for the subjugation of my passions and infirmities according to Your boundless mercy through the prayers of Your Most Pure Mother and all Your saints. Amen". In case of illness or attacks from evil forces, you can and should drink water without hesitation at any time.

Signs for Epiphany (Folk signs)

According to the weather that was Baptism, people tried to determine the weather of the coming summer: if it was cold that day, then “the harvest will be sleepy and garachy.” If Epiphany turned out to be clear, sunny and frosty, then they talked about the possibility of a hot and hot summer. They said (sitting on the stoves): “Trashchy maroz, trashchy, Vadokhryshchy has already passed (the second name of Epiphany)” or “On Vodakhryshchy zen tseply - there will be bread of the earth.” Again, in all these sayings, proverbs and signs, the hope for a rich harvest is veiled. This is not surprising, because the peasant’s life completely depended on the harvest - whether he would starve after Kolya or not.

Feast of the Epiphany or Epiphany, is also called the Day of Enlightenment and the Feast of Lights - from the ancient custom of performing the baptism of catechumens on the eve of it (on Vespers), which is, in essence, spiritual enlightenment. A description of the event of Baptism is given by all four Evangelists (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-23; John 1:33-34), as well as in many stichera and troparia of the holiday . “Today the Creator of Heaven and earth comes in flesh to the Jordan, asking for Baptism, the sinless one... and is baptized by a servant, the Lord of all...” “To the voice of him crying in the wilderness: prepare the way of the Lord (i.e. to John), you have come, O Lord, taking on the form of a servant, asking for Baptism, not knowing sin.” The baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ is in the closest connection with all His Theanthropic work of saving people; it constitutes the decisive and complete beginning of this ministry.

Christ the Savior in Baptism bestows (through water) grace “decisive for soul and body.” Epiphany in the matter of redemption of the human race had great salutary ontological significance. Baptism on the Jordan exudes forsakenness, remission of sins, enlightenment, recreation of human nature, light, renewal, healing and, as it were, a new birth (rebirth) to mortals.

“New creators of the earth, New Adam was the Creator, performing a strange rebirth and wonderful renewal with fire and Spirit and water...” The baptism of Christ in the waters of the Jordan had not only the meaning of a symbol of purification, but also a transforming, renewing effect on human nature. By immersing Himself in the waters of the Jordan, the Lord sanctified “the whole nature of the waters” and the whole earth. The presence of Divine power in the watery nature transforms our corruptible nature (through Baptism) into incorruptible. Baptism had a beneficial effect on the entire dual human nature - on the body and soul of man. “By the spirit of the soul you create new things, and with water you sanctify the body, folded, edifying (recreating) animals... having in themselves eternal life.” The Baptism of Christ the Savior was actually a prefiguration and foundation of the mysteriously grace-filled method of rebirth by water and the Spirit in the sacrament of Baptism given after His Resurrection and Ascension. Here the Lord reveals Himself as the Founder of a new, grace-filled Kingdom, which, according to His teaching, cannot be entered without Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). “Whoever comes down with Me and is buried in Baptism, with Me he will enjoy the glory and resurrection,” Christ now proclaims.”

The threefold immersion (of every believer in Christ) in the sacrament of Baptism depicts the death of Christ, and the coming out of the water is communion with His three-day Resurrection. Christ the Savior “made from water (by baptism) mysteriously by the Spirit... a Church with many children, first (before) childless.”

At the Baptism of the Lord in the Jordan, true worship of God (religion) was revealed to people, the hitherto unknown secret of the Trinity of the Divine, the secret of the One God in three Persons was revealed, and the worship of the Most Holy Trinity was revealed.

“Trinity, our God, show Himself to us today inseparably: for the Father proclaimed the revealed (open, obvious) evidence of kinship (kinship), the Spirit descended from Heaven in the form of a dove, the Most Pure Son bowed the top of His Forerunner...”
The chants comprehensively and touchingly describe the experiences that the Forerunner experiences when he sees Christ who came to be baptized by him. John the Baptist points to the people listening to him about the coming Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, awaited by all Israel: “This, deliver Israel, free us from corruption.” And when the Lord asked him for baptism, “the Forerunner trembled and exclaimed loudly: how can a lamp illuminate the light? How can a slave lay his hand on the Master? Savior, who took upon yourself the sins of the whole world, You yourself sanctify me and the waters.” “Although You are the Child of Mary,” says the Forerunner, “I know You, the Eternal God.” And then the Lord says to John:
“Prophet, come to baptize Me, who created you, and enlightens with grace and cleanses everyone. Touch My Divine top (head) and do not doubt. Leave everything else now, for I have come to fulfill all righteousness.”

Having been baptized by John, Christ fulfilled “righteousness”, i.e. fidelity and obedience to the commandments of God. Saint John the Baptist received the command from God to baptize the people as a sign of cleansing of sins. As a man, Christ had to "fulfill" this commandment and therefore be baptized by John. By this He confirmed the holiness and greatness of John’s actions, and gave Christians an example of obedience to the will of God and humility for eternity. The prophecy of St. is widely used in the hymns. The Psalmist (ps. 113) that the Jordan will stop its flow “from the face of the Lord.” “Today the psalm prophecy of the end of acceptance (to be fulfilled) is in a hurry: the sea, speaking, seeing and running, the Jordan returned back, from the Face of the Lord, from the Face of the God of Jacob, who came from the servant to receive Baptism.”

“The Jordan, seeing the Lord being baptized, divides and stops its flow,” says the 1st stichera for the consecration of water. “Turn the Jordan River back, not daring to serve You. For he was ashamed of Joshua, because he would be afraid of his Creator without his name.” The Church, through the mouth of the creators of the stichera, invites believers to be transported in thought and heart to that great event of the Epiphany, which once took place on the Jordan River, in order to give thanks for the “inexpressible compassion” of Christ, in the “slave’s eye” who came into the world to save the human race.

In the pre-holiday and holiday services, the Church did not forget the great servant of Christ and participant in the event - “Forerunner and Baptist, and Prophet, and most venerable is the prophet (of the prophets)” - John. Finishing the pre-festive singing and beginning to glorify the great event of the holiday itself, the Church turns to John the Baptist and asks him to raise his hands in prayer to the One whose most pure head he touched with these hands on the Jordan; The Church asks the Baptist to come and be present with us with his spirit, to stand with us, “seal the singing and begin the celebration.”

Epiphany of the Lord - traditions, customs, rituals, signs, congratulations

On the night of January 18-19, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Epiphany (Holy Epiphany). What should you do at Epiphany? How to celebrate the holiday correctly? What rituals need to be performed? What signs should you pay attention to? How to congratulate your family and friends?

Epiphany is one of the main Christian holidays. The holiday of Epiphany ends the Christmas holidays, which last from January 7 to January 19.

This holiday was established in memory of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, when he was 30 years old. It is known from the Gospel that John the Baptist, calling the people to repentance, baptized people in the waters of the Jordan. The Savior, being sinless from the beginning, had no need for John’s Baptism of repentance, but out of His humility accepted Baptism with water, thereby sanctifying His watery nature.

The Feast of Epiphany is also called the Feast of Epiphany, because at the Baptism of the Lord the Holy Trinity appeared to the world: “God the Father spoke from heaven about the Son, the Son was baptized by the holy Forerunner of the Lord John, and the Holy Spirit descended on the Son in the form of a dove”.

Epiphany. Holy Epiphany

On the eve of Epiphany, January 18, believers fast- they don’t eat anything until the evening, and in the evening they celebrate the second Holy Evening or “Hungry Kutya”. Lenten dishes are served for dinner - fried fish, dumplings with cabbage, buckwheat pancakes with butter, kutyu and uzvar.

The whole family, as before Christmas, gathers at the table, to which Only Lenten dishes are served; kutia (sochivo) is prepared from rice, honey and raisins..

That evening, returning from church from a prayer service, people placed crosses over all windows and doors with chalk or soot from candles.

After dinner, all the spoons are collected in one bowl, and bread is placed on top - “so that bread is born.” The girls used these same spoons to tell fortunes: they went out on the threshold and knocked with them until a dog barked somewhere - the girl would go in that direction to get married.

The main tradition of the Epiphany holiday is the blessing of water.

On the morning of January 19, water is blessed - either in a church, or, where possible, near a lake, river or stream. It is believed that on Epiphany, from midnight to midnight, water acquires healing properties and retains them throughout the year. It is given to seriously ill people to drink, and temples, houses and animals are blessed with it. It remains a mystery to science that Epiphany water does not spoil, has no odor and can be stored for a year or longer.

In the old days, on the eve of Jordan, a large cross (“Jordan”) was cut out in the ice and installed vertically next to the hole. The ice cross was decorated with periwinkle and pine branches or doused with beet kvass, which turned it red.

Water is sanctified in springs, and where this is not possible - in the courtyard of the temple. Blessing the water, the priest lowers the cross into a special baptismal hole called the “Jordan”; the blessed water is called the “great agiasma,” that is, the great shrine.

It is believed that Epiphany water has the same miraculous power as the waters of the Jordan into which Jesus Christ entered.

On the day of Epiphany, after a prayer service, the sick bathe in the ice hole - to recover from illness, and those who dress up in masks for the New Year - to cleanse themselves of sin.

On the day of the holiday and on the day of Epiphany Eve, the Great Blessing of Water is performed. There are long queues for holy water in the courtyards of temples.

If a person for some serious reason cannot go to the service, he can resort to the healing power of simple water taken from an ordinary reservoir on Epiphany night. It is believed that Epiphany water gains special strength and healing properties. They treat wounds with Epiphany water, sprinkle every corner of their home - there will be order and peace in the house.

Has survived to this day tradition of plunging into an ice hole at Epiphany- the one who dared to do this believed that the healing Epiphany water would give him health for the whole year. And today there are brave souls who, even in severe frost jump into icy water. Everyone who wants to join them should remember that they need to plunge into the Epiphany ice hole, not trying to “accomplish a feat,” but remembering the religious meaning of this action - it is best to take a blessing from the priest before doing so. You also need to know that washing in Epiphany water does not “automatically” cleanse you of all sins.

After the celebration of Epiphany, a new wedding season begins, which continues until Lent. In the old days it was a time of fun and leisure. Young people gathered for evening parties, families organized pools and visited each other.

Epiphany holy water

On Epiphany you can drink Epiphany water all day long. But then it should be consumed on an empty stomach or for special needs (for example, in case of a sudden illness). In addition, on the day of the holiday we sprinkle holy water throughout the entire home, including latrines, and those rooms where our pets live. You can sprinkle your office, your place of study, and your car.

And if you see that there is not as much water as you would like, you can dilute it with a simple clean water, and all of it will be as full of grace as before, and will not be spoiled.

Therefore, there is no need to strain yourself by taking a canister of a dozen or two liters from the temple on this day. It is enough to take a small bottle and there will be enough water for you and your loved ones until the next Epiphany.

But the miraculous preservation of Epiphany water is not guaranteed to a person who does not treat it reverently.

It is better to pour the water from a plastic container into a glass one and store it next to the icons. Also You should drink this water with prayer so that this gift of the Lord will be to us for the health of soul and body.

Epiphany water can stand for years without spoiling.

Fortune telling for Epiphany

On Epiphany evening, the girl must leave the house and walk down the street. If she meets the first young and handsome man on her way, there is a high probability that she will get married this year. If the passerby is old, then marriage is not soon.

At Epiphany, in addition to traditional New Year's and Christmas fortune-telling, from ancient times they practiced special fortune-telling - with kutya.

Its essence was that the fortune tellers, having captured hot kutia in a cup and hidden it under an apron or scarf, ran into the street and threw the kutia in the face of the first man they came across, asking his name.

Even more original is another type of special Epiphany fortune telling: on Christmas Eve, after sunset, the girls went out naked into the street, “hoeed” the snow, threw it over their shoulders and then listened - in which direction they heard something, in that direction and they would marry them off.

Epiphany signs

♦ If the trees are covered with frost at Epiphany, in the spring you need to sow winter wheat on the same day of the week - the harvest will be rich.

♦ If there is a shovelful of snow on Epiphany, it means a good harvest.

♦ If it’s clear and cold on Epiphany, it means a bad harvest, a dry summer.

♦ If for Epiphany Starlight Night- will good harvest nuts and berries.

♦ If a lot of fish are visible at Epiphany, bees will swarm well.

♦ If after Baptism there is a full month in the sky, a flood is possible in the spring.

♦ If dogs bark a lot - to a large number animals and game in the forest.

♦ To find out how warm the rest of the winter will be, on the night of Christmas Eve before Epiphany, you just need to look at the sky. If the stars shine brightly, then summer will be dry and hot, and spring will begin early. Moreover, autumn will also be warm and long. Also bright stars in heaven at Epiphany they say that the year will be calm, without political or economic turmoil.

♦ If there is a full moon on the night of Epiphany, then in the spring you should be wary of strong river floods.

♦ It’s not very good if it’s warm at Epiphany: signs indicate that there will be health problems in the coming year. On the contrary, if there is a lot of snow on Epiphany, this means good health.

♦ If you hear dogs barking on Epiphany, this promises good financial condition in the coming year. It is believed that dogs call for a hunt, which promises excellent prey.

Congratulations on the Epiphany of the Lord

♦ May it be frosty at baptism
Bring blessings
Warmth, comfort, your home -
Let it be filled with goodness
Thoughts, feelings and hearts.
Let the relatives gather.
Let the fun come to the house
On this holiday at Epiphany.

♦ Let the Epiphany frosts
They will carry away trouble and tears
And they will add fun to life,
Happiness, joy, luck!
Get ready for the holiday -
Very cheerful, healthy,
To swim in an ice hole
And stay healthy!

♦ Let the Epiphany frosts
Your sorrows will go away.
Let there be only tears of happiness,
Let the good news come.
I want you to laugh more often
And they were never sad!
To be admired by love,
And they were always happy!

♦ For the people at Epiphany
Renewal is coming.
Jumped into the hole headlong -
Life becomes different.
And then you step onto the ice,
You will turn towards the sunrise.
Raise your hands in the air boldly,
So that your soul sings.

♦ I would like to wish you a holiday on Epiphany,
There are more poems, less prose in life,
Let life be such that you don’t suffer,
Love is stronger than Epiphany frost.
Hope, beauty and kindness,
And, of course, a sea of ​​positivity,
Strive for the heights of your dreams
For life's eternal motives.

♦ With Holy Epiphany
Congratulations, friends!
Cast away all doubts
Be happy, love!
Don't be afraid of all sorts of wickedness,
And wash yourself with holy water!
Tell your fortune for love...
The holiday is coming to us again!

♦ I hasten to congratulate you on your Baptism
And wish you purity
All thoughts and all aspirations,
Health, happiness and love!
May the Angels protect you
And guard your sound sleep
Let loved ones not know grief
And the Lord will be nearby!

♦ On the bright day of the Epiphany of the Lord
I wish you all earthly bounties.
May souls and bodies be purified
On this day it will come down to you from heaven.
The blessings of earthly and God's grace
I want to wish you now.
Let everything be on time and by the way,
May the Lord protect you.
May everything in life be easy for you,
And may the Epiphany water
What is pouring from everywhere today,
Will wash away all the bad forever!

♦ Let holy water
Your sin will wash away any
Let any trouble
Will bypass.
Let it be revealed to you
Pure light and love
And the temple of your soul
Reborn again.

♦ Happy Epiphany Day
Congratulations today!
Let the house not become scarce,
The world will become kinder for you.
Let the help be noticeable,
Your happiness will not fade.
Love from loved ones and support
Let them become stronger over the years!

When to swim on Epiphany - January 18 or 19- this question is asked very often on the days of Epiphany and Epiphany.

The most important thing you need to know about the Baptism of the Lord is not when to swim (it is not at all necessary to plunge into an ice hole on this day), but that on this day the Lord Jesus Christ himself was baptized. Therefore, on January 18 in the evening and January 19 in the morning, it is important to be in church for the service, confess, take communion and take holy water, the great agiasma.

They bathe, according to tradition, after the evening service on January 18 and on the night of January 18-19. Access to the fonts is usually open on January 19 throughout the day.

Common questions about bathing at Epiphany

Is it necessary to swim in an ice hole at Epiphany?

Is it necessary to swim at Epiphany? And if there is no frost, will bathing be Epiphany?

In any church holiday, it is necessary to distinguish between its meaning and the traditions that have developed around it. The main thing in the feast of the Epiphany is the Epiphany, the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist, the voice of God the Father from heaven “This is my beloved Son” and the Holy Spirit descending on Christ. The main thing for a Christian on this day is to be present at church service, confession and Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, communion of baptismal water.

The established traditions of swimming in cold ice holes are not directly related to the Feast of the Epiphany itself, are not mandatory and, most importantly, do not cleanse a person of sins, which, unfortunately, is discussed a lot in the media.

Such traditions should not be treated as magical rites - the holiday of the Epiphany is celebrated by Orthodox Christians in hot Africa, America, and Australia. After all, the palm branches of the feast of the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem were replaced by willows in Russia, and the consecration of grapevines on the Transfiguration of the Lord was replaced by the blessing of the apple harvest. Also, on the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, all waters will be sanctified, regardless of their temperature.

Archpriest Igor Pchelintsev

The Jordan is not a Pool of Sheep (see John 5:1-4), and must be approached with caution

Archpriest Sergiy Vogulkin, rector of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Vsetsaritsa” in the city of Yekaterinburg, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor:

Probably, we should start not with swimming in the Epiphany frosts, but with the most blessed feast of Epiphany. By the Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ, all water, in all its forms, is sanctified, because for two thousand years the water of the Jordan River, which touched the blessed body of Christ, rose to the heavens millions of times, floated in the clouds and returned again as raindrops to the earth. What is it in - in trees, lakes, rivers, grass? Pieces of her are everywhere. And now the feast of Epiphany is approaching, when the Lord gives us an abundance of consecrated water. Concern awakens in every person: what about me? After all, this is my chance to cleanse myself! Don't miss it! And so people, without hesitation, even with some kind of despair, rush to the ice hole and, having plunged, then talk about their “feat” for a whole year. Did they partake of the grace of our Lord or did they gratify their pride?

Orthodox man walking calm from one church holiday to another, observing fasts, confessing and receiving communion. And he prepares for Epiphany slowly, deciding with his family who, after confession and communion, will be honored to plunge into the Jordan, according to the ancient Russian tradition, and who, due to being a child or indisposed, will wash their face with holy water, or take a bath at a holy spring, or simply take holy water with prayer as a spiritual medicine. Thank God, we have plenty to choose from, and we don’t need to take risks thoughtlessly if a person is weakened by illness. The Jordan is not a Pool of Sheep (see John 5:1-4), and must be approached with caution. An experienced priest will not bless everyone for a bath. He will take care of choosing a place, strengthening the ice, a gangplank, a warm place for undressing and dressing, and the presence of one of the Orthodox medical workers. Here, mass baptism will be appropriate and beneficial.

Another thing is the mass of desperate people who decided, without a blessing or just basic thought, to swim “for company” in icy water. Here we are not talking about the strength of the spirit, but about the strength of the body. A strong spasm of skin vessels in response to the action of cold water leads to the fact that a mass of blood rushes into internal organs- heart, lungs, brain, stomach, liver, and for people with poor health this can end badly.

The danger especially increases for those who were preparing for “purification” in the ice hole by smoking and alcohol. The flow of blood to the lungs will only increase chronic inflammation of the bronchi, which always accompanies smoking, and can cause swelling of the bronchial wall and pneumonia. Long-term consumption of alcohol or acute intoxication in warm water constantly leads to misfortunes, let alone swimming in an ice hole. The arterial vessels of an alcoholic or a domestic drunkard, even if he is relatively young, are not able to respond correctly to massive cold exposure; in these cases, paradoxical reactions can be expected, including cardiac and respiratory arrest. With such bad habits and in such a state, it is better not to approach the ice hole.

– Explain, after all, why an Orthodox person needs to bathe in ice water on Epiphany when it’s thirty degrees below zero outside?

Priest Svyatoslav Shevchenko: – It is necessary to distinguish between folk customs and church liturgical practice. The Church does not call believers to climb into icy water - everyone decides for themselves individually. But today the custom of plunging into a frosty hole has become something newfangled for non-church people. It is clear that on major Orthodox holidays there is a religious surge among the Russian people - and there is nothing wrong with that. But what is not very good is that people limit themselves to this superficial ablution. Moreover, some seriously believe that by bathing in the Epiphany Jordan, they will wash away all the sins that have accumulated over the year. These are pagan superstitions, and they have nothing in common with church teaching. Sins are forgiven by the priest in the sacrament of Penance. In addition, in search of thrills we miss the main point feast of the Epiphany.

Where did the tradition of diving into an ice hole at Epiphany come from? Is it necessary for every Orthodox Christian to do this? Do priests bathe in ice water? What is the place of this tradition in the Christian hierarchy of values?

Faith is not tested by swimming

Archpriest Vladimir Vigilyansky, rector of the Church of the Martyr Tatiana at Moscow State University:

Bathing at Epiphany is a relatively new tradition. Neither in historical literature about Ancient Rus', nor in memoirs about pre-revolutionary Russia I haven’t read that somewhere on Epiphany they cut through the ice and swim. But there is nothing wrong with this tradition itself, you just need to understand that the Church does not force anyone to swim in cold water.

The consecration of water is a reminder that the Lord is everywhere, sanctifying the entire nature of the earth, and the earth was created for man, for life. Without understanding that God is with us everywhere, without spiritual understanding of the feast of Epiphany, Epiphany bathing turns into a sport, a love of extreme sports. It is important to feel the presence of the Trinity, which permeates all natural nature, and to join precisely this presence. And the rest, including bathing in a consecrated spring, is just a relatively new tradition.

I serve in the center of Moscow, far from the water, so swimming is not practiced in our parish. But, for example, I know that in the Trinity Church in Ostankino, which is located near the Ostankino ponds, they consecrate water and wash themselves with it. Those who have been swimming for more than a year should continue to swim. And if a person wants to join this tradition for the first time, I would advise him to think about whether his health allows him, whether he tolerates the cold well. Faith is not tested by bathing.

The spiritual meaning is in the blessing of water, not in bathing

Archpriest Konstantin Ostrovsky, rector of the Assumption Church in Krasnogorsk, dean of churches in the Krasnogorsk district:

Today the Church does not prohibit swimming in reservoirs, but before the revolution it had a negative attitude towards it. Father Sergius Bulgakov in his “Handbook for a Clergyman” writes the following:

«… In some places there is a custom to bathe in rivers on this day (especially those who dressed up, told fortunes, etc., bathed during Christmastide, superstitiously attributing to this bath a cleansing power from these sins). Such a custom cannot be justified by the desire to imitate the example of the Savior’s immersion in water, as well as the example of Palestinian pilgrims who bathe in the Jordan River at all times. In the east it is safe for pilgrims, because there is no such cold and such frosts as ours.

The belief in the healing and cleansing power of the water consecrated by the Church on the very day of the Savior’s baptism cannot speak in favor of such a custom, because swimming in winter means demanding a miracle from God or completely neglecting your life and health».

(S.V. Bulgakov, “Handbook for priests and church ministers”, Publishing department of the Moscow Patriarchate, 1993, reprint of the 1913 edition, p. 24, footnote 2)

In my opinion, if you do not associate bathing with pagan beliefs, there is nothing wrong with it. Those who are healthy enough can take a dip, but don’t look for any spiritual meaning in it. Epiphany water has spiritual significance, but you can drink a drop of it, or sprinkle it on yourself, and it is absurd to think that the one who has bathed will necessarily receive more grace than the one who drank a sip. Receiving grace does not depend on this.

Not far from one of the churches of our deanery, in Opalikha, there is a clean pond, I know that the clergy of the temple sanctify the water there. Why not? The Typikon allows this. Of course, at the end of the liturgy or, when Christmas Eve falls on Saturday or Sunday, at the end of Great Vespers. The consecration of water by the Great Rite at other times is permissible in exceptional cases.

For example, it happens that one priest is the rector of three rural churches at once. He cannot serve two liturgies a day. And so the priest serves and blesses the water in one temple, and travels to two others, sometimes tens of kilometers away, to specially local residents bless the water. Then, of course, let's assume the Great Order. Or in a nursing home, if it is impossible to perform the Epiphany liturgy there, you can also perform the Great Blessing of Water.

If, for example, a pious rich man wants to sanctify the water in his pond, there is nothing wrong with this, but in this case it is necessary to sanctify it with the Lesser Rite.

Well, when, as in Opalikha, after the prayer behind the pulpit, procession, the water in the pond is blessed, and then everyone returns to the temple and finishes the liturgy, the church rite is not violated. And whether the priests and parishioners will then plunge into the ice hole is everyone’s personal matter. You just need to approach this wisely.

One of our parishioners is an experienced walrus, she even goes to walrus competitions. Naturally, she enjoys bathing at Epiphany too. But people become walruses by gradually tempering them. If a person is not frost-resistant and often catches colds, it would be unreasonable on his part to climb into an ice hole without preparation. If he thus wants to be convinced of the power of God, then let him consider whether he is not tempting the Lord by this.

There was a case when an elderly hieromonk - I knew him - decided to pour ten buckets of Epiphany water on himself. During such a dousing, he died - his heart could not stand it. Like any bathing in cold water, Epiphany bathing requires preliminary preparation. Then it can be beneficial to health, but without preparation it can be harmful.

I'm talking about physical health, perhaps mental health - cold water invigorates - but not spiritual health. There is spiritual meaning in the very sacrament of consecration of water, and not in bathing. It is not so important whether a person bathes in the Epiphany ice hole; it is much more important whether he comes to the festive liturgy, whether he receives the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Naturally, like Orthodox priest, I wish everyone not only to come on this day for Epiphany water, but to pray during the service and, if possible, receive communion. But all of us, Orthodox Christians, must treat people coming with love and understanding, with condescension towards human weakness. If someone comes only for water, it is wrong to tell him that he is this and that and will not receive grace. It’s not for us to judge this.

In the biography of the righteous Alexy Mechev, I read how he advised one spiritual daughter, whose husband was an unbeliever, that she should give him prosphora. “Father, he eats it with soup,” she soon complained. "So what? Let it be with soup,” answered Father Alexy. And in the end, that man turned to God.

From this, of course, it does not follow that it is necessary to distribute prosphora to all non-believing relatives, but the example given shows that God's grace often acts in ways that are incomprehensible to us. Same with water. The man came only for water, but perhaps, through these external actions, without realizing it, he is drawn to God and will eventually come to Him. For now, let us rejoice that he remembers the feast of Epiphany and came to church in the first place.

Swimming is just the beginning

Archpriest Theodore Borodin, rector of the Church of the Holy Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian on Maroseyka:

The tradition of bathing at Epiphany is a late one. And one should treat it depending on why a person bathes. Let me make an analogy with Easter. Everyone knows that on Holy Saturday tens or even hundreds of thousands of people go to church to bless Easter cakes.

If they really don’t know that this is only a tiny part of the joy that Easter is for a believer, they come to church with reverence and sincerely pray, for them it is still a meeting with the Lord.

If, from year to year, they hear that this is not the most important thing, and the priest, blessing the Easter cakes, each time invites them to come to the night service, to share with everyone the joy of the Risen Lord, explains the meaning of the service, and their communication with the Church still comes down to the blessing of Easter cakes, which is, of course, sad.

The same goes for swimming. If a person completely unfamiliar with church life, plunges into the water with reverence, turning to the Lord as he knows how, sincerely wanting to receive grace. The Lord, of course, will give grace, and this person will have a meeting with God.

I think that when a person sincerely seeks God, sooner or later he will understand that bathing is just the beginning, and it is much more important to be at the all-night vigil and liturgy. If Epiphany bathing serves as a stepping stone to beginning to celebrate this holiday in a truly Christian way, at least in a few years, such bathing can only be welcomed.

Unfortunately, many people treat it simply as one of the extreme sports. Often the bathing of non-church people is accompanied by obscene jokes and excessive drinking. Just like the once popular wall-to-wall fights, such fun does not bring a person one step closer to the Lord.

But many of those who do not allow themselves any indecency do not come to the service - they usually swim at night and consider that they have already joined the holiday, sleep off, satisfied with themselves - they have proven that they are strong in body and their faith is strong. They proved it to themselves, but this is self-deception.

Of course, it is not necessary to swim at night, you can after the service. Our church is located in the center, there is nowhere to swim nearby, but some parishioners travel to other areas or to the Moscow region. Sometimes they consult with me, I never object if I see that a person is really doing this for the sake of the Lord. But one priest I know, a very good one, plunged into an ice hole for several years in a row and fell ill every time after that. This means that his bathing was displeasing to the Lord, and the Lord admonished him through his illness - now he does not bathe.

I've never swam either. It’s quite a long way for me to travel to the nearest consecrated reservoirs; if I spend half the night on the road and swimming, I won’t be able to confess to the parishioners and serve the liturgy as I should. But sometimes my mother, my children and I doused ourselves with Epiphany water on the street, in the snow. I live outside the city, and after returning from the all-night vigil, the whole family doused themselves. But it’s possible outside the city; in Moscow you can’t do that.

And what does Baptism have to do with it?

Archpriest Alexy Uminsky, rector of the Church of the Life-Giving Trinity in Khokhly, confessor of the St. Vladimir Orthodox Gymnasium:

I’m somehow not particularly puzzled by the issue of night Epiphany diving. If a person wants to, let him dive; if he doesn’t want to, let him not dive. Just what does diving in an ice hole have to do with the feast of the Epiphany?

For me, these dips are just fun, extreme. Our people love something so unusual. Lately It has become fashionable and popular to dive into an ice hole at Epiphany, then drink vodka, and then tell everyone about your such Russian piety.

This is a Russian tradition, like fist fights on Maslenitsa. It has exactly the same relation to the celebration of Epiphany as fist fights have to the celebration of Forgiveness Resurrection.